Heading West:

Torbay (known as the English Riviera) with its popular sandy beaches, Paignton Zoo and Babbacombe Model Village (35 miles).

South Devon Railway departing from Buckfastleigh (35 miles) – take a steam train to Totnes to explore England’s best preserved Norman motte and bailey castle and a town centre that features a wealth of independent shops and cafes.

At the far end of Chesil beach lies the Isle of Portland (actually a peninsular) with a 16th Century castle and a lighthouse on the Bill whose light can be seen from Sidmouth on clear nights (50 miles).